GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

The University of Fairfax offers the following graduate degree programs:

• Doctorate in Information Assurance (DIA)
• Master of Science in Information Security Management (MSISM) with specializations in Disaster Recovery and Continuity Planning, Information Security Analysis, Information Security Auditing, Information Security Compliance and Information Security Engineering

Program Objectives:

• To gain expertise in a specialized field of study based upon theory, concepts and skills relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.
• To apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the exploration of a specialized field of study relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.
• To develop primary field research competencies that can result in a contribution to knowledge in a specialized field of study relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.
• To demonstrate expertise in a specialized topic relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, graduates will be able to:

• Establish the rationale and objectives for conducting primary research in a specialized area of Information Assurance.
• Demonstrate knowledge and synthesis of the current body of literature with respect to a specialized area of Information Assurance.
• Apply appropriate methodologies and analysis techniques in conducting primary field research in a specialized area of Information Assurance
• Contribute to the body of knowledge through the documentation of research methods and findings in a specialized area of Information Assurance.

Credit Requirements
The Doctorate in Information Assurance consists of a total of 64 semester credits beyond a Master's degree, including 24 credits of core courses, 9 credits of specialization-specific courses and 31 credits of dissertation-related courses.

Click here for the DIA Curriculum Overview

Specializations:

• Disaster Recovery and Continuity Planning (DRC)
• Information Security Analysis (ISA)
• Information Security Auditing (IAU)
• Information Security Compliance (ISC)
• Information Security Engineering (ISE)

Program Objectives:

• To gain knowledge in a specialized field of study based upon theory, concepts and skills relevant to Information Security practitioners.
• To apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of issues relevant to Information Security practitioners.
• To utilize secondary research competencies in the analysis of issues relevant to Information Security practitioners.
• To develop the necessary skills and perspectives to address a specialized area of Information Security management.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

• Compile, analyze, and assess the applicability of best practices in addressing Information Security issues.
• Evaluate the impact of business constraints and processes on the implementation of Information Security programs.
• Integrate principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning and change management in the development of Information Security strategies.
• Utilize secondary research skills in the critical assessment and selection of information sources that are applicable and relevant to the development of approaches to Information Security challenges.
• Demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts and skills in addressing specialized aspects of Information Security issues.

Credit Requirements
The MSISM degree program consists of 36 semester credits beyond a baccalaureate degree, including 24 credits of core courses and 12 credits of specialization-specific courses.

Click here for the MSISM Curriculum Overview

• Best Practices in Information Security
• Disaster Recovery and Continuity Planning (DRC)
• Information Security Analysis
• Information Security Auditing
• Information Security Compliance
• Information Security Engineering
• Information Security for the Enterprise
• Information Security Planning and Analysis
• Information Security Project Management